Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty - Page

Also known as Nose Reshaping

What is a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is a popular cosmetic surgery that provides a permanent, low-cost option for patients to have their nose reshaped. It can make the nose larger or smaller; change the angle of the nose in relation to the upper lip; alter the tip of the nose; or correct bumps, indentations, or other defects in the nose. Depending on the desired result, some bone and cartilage may be removed, or tissue may be added (either from another part of the body or using a synthetic filler). After the surgeon has rearranged and reshaped the bone and cartilage, the skin and tissue is reshaped over the structure of the nose.

What to expect during the Rhinoplasty procedure?

A nose job is usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning there is no overnight stay. You’ll get general or local anesthesia. With general anesthesia, you’ll sleep through the operation. With local anesthesia, you will be sedated and your nose will be numbed so you are relaxed and unable to feel the pain. During an operation, the surgeon makes cuts within the nostrils. In more difficult cases, the surgeon may also make cuts across the base of the nose. The surgeon then reshapes the inner bone and cartilage to produce a more pleasing appearance. These incisions allow access to the nasal framework so that the rhinoplasty can be performed to add, remove, adjust or reshape existing nose tissue.

Rhinoplasty surgery hardly shows any evidence of incisions, as they are made in creases on either side of the nose or actually inside the nose. During rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions to access the bones and cartilage that support the nose. The incisions are usually made inside the nose so that they are invisible after the surgery. For a few days after the nose surgery, a splint usually protects the nose framework while sutures will hold the tissue in place. Soon after the surgery, the skin and soft tissues will reform over the new nasal framework and most patients can appreciate their new look within a couple of weeks.

What to expect during the recovery for the Rhinoplasty procedure?

The splint and bandaging around your nose will be removed in about a week. Your face will feel puffy and the area around your eyes and nose will be bruised and swollen for several days. Cold compresses can help minimize the swelling and reduce pain. Your doctor may also recommend pain medicine. You may need to keep your head elevated and relatively still for the first few days after surgery. Within a week, the typical bruising around the eyes fades, although some swelling may remain for several weeks. Within a week of the nose job, the packing and stitches are removed and most patients are able to return to work within a week to ten days after the rhinoplasty surgery. It takes about 10 to 14 days before most of the swelling and bruising improves.